reference

1 of 3

noun

ref·​er·​ence ˈre-fərn(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
ˈre-f(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the act of referring or consulting
2
: a bearing on a matter : relation
in reference to your recent letter
3
: something that refers: such as
b
: something (such as a sign or indication) that refers a reader or consulter to another source of information (such as a book or passage)
c
: consultation of sources of information
4
: one referred to or consulted: such as
a
: a person to whom inquiries as to character or ability can be made
b
: a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with the person
c(1)
: a source of information (such as a book or passage) to which a reader or consulter is referred
(2)
: a work (such as a dictionary or encyclopedia) containing useful facts or information

reference

2 of 3

adjective

: used or usable for reference
especially : constituting a standard for measuring or constructing

reference

3 of 3

verb

referenced; referencing

transitive verb

1
a
: to supply with references
b
: to cite in or as a reference
2
: to put in a form (such as a table) adapted to easy reference

Examples of reference in a Sentence

Noun references to an earlier event The numbers were calculated by reference to the most recent census. Reference to a map will make the position clear. She listed her former teacher as a reference when she applied for the job. Her former teacher gave her a reference when she applied for the job. Her teacher gave her a letter of reference. Adjective a list of reference materials Verb The book references many other authors who have written on this topic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In that time, he’s cooked through about 1,000 recipes, noshed at more than 200 restaurants and seriously considered getting a map of the city’s grocery stores tattooed on his arm for easy reference. Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024 For reference, think back to the solar eclipse in Aries that took place back in April, as something is likely coming to fruition now. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The gallery’s wall configuration, which has been fixed for quite some time, has now been opened up in refreshingly spacious ways that allow a viewer to visually cross-reference paintings. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2022 This is despite progress; many country national climate action plans now cross-reference gender, and country delegations include more women. Catherine McKenna, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2022
Verb
Federer himself referenced that there isn’t much missing. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Turek referenced the presidential race between former President Donald Trump, a Republican, and Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat. Brett Davis | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reference 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1730, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reference was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near reference

Cite this Entry

“Reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reference

1 of 2 noun
ref·​er·​ence ˈref-ərn(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
ˈref-(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the act of referring
2
: a relation to or concern with something : respect
with reference to what was said
3
a
: a remark referring to something : allusion
made reference to our agreement
b
: a sign or indication referring a reader to another book or portion of a written work
c
: use as sources of information
volumes for ready reference
4
a
: a person to whom questions as to another person's honesty or ability can be addressed
b
: a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with them
c
: a book, document, or portion of a written work to which a reader is referred

reference

2 of 2 adjective
: used or usable for reference
a reference point

Medical Definition

reference

1 of 2 adjective
ref·​er·​ence ˈref-(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce reference (audio)
: of known potency and used as a standard in the biological assay of a sample of the same drug of unknown strength
a dose of reference cod-liver oil

reference

2 of 2

Legal Definition

reference

noun
ref·​er·​ence ˈre-frəns, -fə-rəns How to pronounce reference (audio)
1
: an act of referring
specifically : mention or citation of one document (as a statute) in another
a municipality may adopt by reference all or a part of this title Alaska Statutes
see also incorporate
2
: a referral especially to a legislative committee or master
also : an order referring a matter to a master
the extent to which any party is more responsible than other parties for the reference to a master Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 53(g)

More from Merriam-Webster on reference

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